π Asiatic Lion Crisis
π Why in News?
β Death of 8 Asiatic lion cubs due to heat-induced dehydration in Gir Forest, Gujarat has renewed concerns over habitat overcrowding, disease risks, and the need for lion translocation.
π About the Asiatic Lion
β Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica
β IUCN Status: Endangered
β Natural Habitat: Gir Landscape, Gujarat β the only wild habitat of Asiatic lions.
π Current Status
β Population increased from 674 (2020) to 891 (2025).
β Overcrowding has forced many lions to move outside protected areas.
β Supreme Court (2013) directed translocation of lions to Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh), but implementation remains pending.
π Major Challenges
β Habitat Saturation: Exceeded carrying capacity leads to territorial conflicts and stress.
β Genetic Bottleneck: Low genetic diversity increases vulnerability to diseases.
β Disease Risk: A single epidemic can threaten the entire population.
Eg: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) killed 23 lions in 2018.
β HumanβWildlife Conflict: Increasing encounters due to movement into villages.
β Infrastructure Hazards: Deaths from roads, railways, open wells, and electric fences.
π Why is Translocation Needed?
β Creates a second free-ranging population as biological insurance.
β Reduces extinction risk from epidemics, forest fires, or natural disasters.
β Aligns with IUCN conservation guidelines.
β Kuno National Park was developed as an alternative habitat for Asiatic lions.
π Concerns Over Translocation
β Symbol of Gujaratβs identity and regional pride.
β Gujarat favours expansion to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
β Presence of Project Cheetah in Kuno National Park may complicate ecosystem management.
π Way Forward
β Implement the Supreme Courtβs 2013 order through scientific and phased translocation.
β Develop satellite habitats like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
β Adopt a One Health approach through vaccination of domestic animals.
β Build wildlife crossings, cover open wells, and improve railway safety.
π UPSC Prelims Facts
β Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is found only in the Gir Landscape of Gujarat.
β Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) was identified as the second home for Asiatic lions.
β Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has been proposed as an additional habitat within Gujarat.
#mains #Environment
Join https://t.me/CSE_EXAM
https://t.me/Upsc_4_environment
π Why in News?
β Death of 8 Asiatic lion cubs due to heat-induced dehydration in Gir Forest, Gujarat has renewed concerns over habitat overcrowding, disease risks, and the need for lion translocation.
π About the Asiatic Lion
β Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica
β IUCN Status: Endangered
β Natural Habitat: Gir Landscape, Gujarat β the only wild habitat of Asiatic lions.
π Current Status
β Population increased from 674 (2020) to 891 (2025).
β Overcrowding has forced many lions to move outside protected areas.
β Supreme Court (2013) directed translocation of lions to Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh), but implementation remains pending.
π Major Challenges
β Habitat Saturation: Exceeded carrying capacity leads to territorial conflicts and stress.
β Genetic Bottleneck: Low genetic diversity increases vulnerability to diseases.
β Disease Risk: A single epidemic can threaten the entire population.
Eg: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) killed 23 lions in 2018.
β HumanβWildlife Conflict: Increasing encounters due to movement into villages.
β Infrastructure Hazards: Deaths from roads, railways, open wells, and electric fences.
π Why is Translocation Needed?
β Creates a second free-ranging population as biological insurance.
β Reduces extinction risk from epidemics, forest fires, or natural disasters.
β Aligns with IUCN conservation guidelines.
β Kuno National Park was developed as an alternative habitat for Asiatic lions.
π Concerns Over Translocation
β Symbol of Gujaratβs identity and regional pride.
β Gujarat favours expansion to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
β Presence of Project Cheetah in Kuno National Park may complicate ecosystem management.
π Way Forward
β Implement the Supreme Courtβs 2013 order through scientific and phased translocation.
β Develop satellite habitats like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
β Adopt a One Health approach through vaccination of domestic animals.
β Build wildlife crossings, cover open wells, and improve railway safety.
π UPSC Prelims Facts
β Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is found only in the Gir Landscape of Gujarat.
β Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) was identified as the second home for Asiatic lions.
β Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has been proposed as an additional habitat within Gujarat.
#mains #Environment
Join https://t.me/CSE_EXAM
https://t.me/Upsc_4_environment
β€1π1
#Goodmorning
β³39 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³314 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³404 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³146 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³63 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³57 2day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³25 days left Afcat 8 august
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#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β³39 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³314 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³404 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³146 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³63 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³57 2day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³25 days left Afcat 8 august
β³25 days left mppsc mains 8 august
β³13 days left 72nd BPSC PRELIMS 26 July
β³5 days left CAPF AC 19 July
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β€2
#Goodmorning
β³38 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³313 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³403 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³145 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³62 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³56 2day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³24 days left Afcat 8 august
β³24 days left mppsc mains 8 august
β³12 days left 72nd BPSC PRELIMS 26 July
β³4 days left CAPF AC 19 July
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β³38 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³313 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³403 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³145 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³62 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³56 2day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³24 days left Afcat 8 august
β³24 days left mppsc mains 8 august
β³12 days left 72nd BPSC PRELIMS 26 July
β³4 days left CAPF AC 19 July
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β€4π4
π CURRENT AFFAIRS β 13 JULY 2026
π HISTORY, ART & CULTURE
π Vice-President Unveils Statue of Mannathu Padmanabhan
β Renowned social reformer, freedom fighter and community leader from Kerala
β Founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS)
β Participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha
β Honoured with Bharata Kesari (1959) and Padma Bhushan (1966)
π POLITY & GOVERNANCE
π Centre Directs Playing of Vande Mataram Before National Anthem
β States and Central Ministries directed to play Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana at official events
β Vande Mataram written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
β Published in the novel Anandamath
β Government proposes amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to make insults to the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence
π NSE Launches Nifty500 Ahimsa Index
β Launched by the National Stock Exchange (NSE)
β Developed with Ahimsagain Foundation
β Tracks companies following Ahimsa (non-violence) principles
β Excludes businesses involved in animal harm
β Only Green-category companies qualify for inclusion
π PM SVANidhi βStreet Food Hubβ Plan
β Lakhanpur among the first selected towns
β Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs to establish 50 Street Food Hubs
β Each project receives βΉ4 crore assistance
β Urban Local Bodies receive βΉ25 lakh incentive
β Implemented with MoHUA, Ministry of Tourism and FSSAI
π INDIA & THE WORLD
π PM Receives Traditional MΔori Powhiri Welcome in New Zealand
β Traditional welcome by the MΔori, the indigenous people of New Zealand
β Includes Karanga, WhaikΕrero, Hongi and Kai
β Symbolises transition from Tapu (sacred) to Noa (ordinary/safe)
β Reflects cultural respect and bilateral friendship
π ECONOMY
π PMFME Scheme Crosses 2 Lakh Credit-Linked Beneficiaries
β Implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries
β Supports unorganised micro food processing enterprises
β 90% beneficiaries are first-generation entrepreneurs
β 44% beneficiaries are women
β Over 4.18 lakh SHG members received seed capital
β More than 75,000 enterprises formalised through Udyam, FSSAI and GST registrations
π ENVIRONMENT
π Aastha Van Sanrakshan Yojana Launched
β Aims to conserve 15,000 Sacred Groves (Aastha Van)
β Duration: 2026β27 to 2030β31
β Funded through CAMPA
β Promotes biodiversity conservation and traditional ecological knowledge
π Cyttopsis indica Discovered
β Commonly known as the Indian Dory
β Deep-sea fish discovered by ICAR-CMFRI
β Found in the Arabian Sea off Kerala at 350β500 m depth
β Belongs to Parazenidae family
β Stores waxy compounds to withstand extreme ocean pressure
π Bodoland Forests Showcase Rich Butterfly Diversity
β 346 butterfly species recorded in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)
β Located at the junction of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Gangetic biogeographic zones
β Rare species include Yellow-crested Spangle, Swinhoeβs Flat and Great Windmill
β Bagurumba Dance inspired by butterfly diversity
π SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
π Vepdegestrant Receives US FDA Approval
β First oral PROTAC-based cancer therapy
β Jointly developed by Arvinas and Pfizer
β Approved for ER-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced/metastatic breast cancer
β Represents a new generation of targeted cancer treatment
#CurrentAffairs
π HISTORY, ART & CULTURE
π Vice-President Unveils Statue of Mannathu Padmanabhan
β Renowned social reformer, freedom fighter and community leader from Kerala
β Founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS)
β Participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha
β Honoured with Bharata Kesari (1959) and Padma Bhushan (1966)
π POLITY & GOVERNANCE
π Centre Directs Playing of Vande Mataram Before National Anthem
β States and Central Ministries directed to play Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana at official events
β Vande Mataram written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
β Published in the novel Anandamath
β Government proposes amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to make insults to the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence
π NSE Launches Nifty500 Ahimsa Index
β Launched by the National Stock Exchange (NSE)
β Developed with Ahimsagain Foundation
β Tracks companies following Ahimsa (non-violence) principles
β Excludes businesses involved in animal harm
β Only Green-category companies qualify for inclusion
π PM SVANidhi βStreet Food Hubβ Plan
β Lakhanpur among the first selected towns
β Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs to establish 50 Street Food Hubs
β Each project receives βΉ4 crore assistance
β Urban Local Bodies receive βΉ25 lakh incentive
β Implemented with MoHUA, Ministry of Tourism and FSSAI
π INDIA & THE WORLD
π PM Receives Traditional MΔori Powhiri Welcome in New Zealand
β Traditional welcome by the MΔori, the indigenous people of New Zealand
β Includes Karanga, WhaikΕrero, Hongi and Kai
β Symbolises transition from Tapu (sacred) to Noa (ordinary/safe)
β Reflects cultural respect and bilateral friendship
π ECONOMY
π PMFME Scheme Crosses 2 Lakh Credit-Linked Beneficiaries
β Implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries
β Supports unorganised micro food processing enterprises
β 90% beneficiaries are first-generation entrepreneurs
β 44% beneficiaries are women
β Over 4.18 lakh SHG members received seed capital
β More than 75,000 enterprises formalised through Udyam, FSSAI and GST registrations
π ENVIRONMENT
π Aastha Van Sanrakshan Yojana Launched
β Aims to conserve 15,000 Sacred Groves (Aastha Van)
β Duration: 2026β27 to 2030β31
β Funded through CAMPA
β Promotes biodiversity conservation and traditional ecological knowledge
π Cyttopsis indica Discovered
β Commonly known as the Indian Dory
β Deep-sea fish discovered by ICAR-CMFRI
β Found in the Arabian Sea off Kerala at 350β500 m depth
β Belongs to Parazenidae family
β Stores waxy compounds to withstand extreme ocean pressure
π Bodoland Forests Showcase Rich Butterfly Diversity
β 346 butterfly species recorded in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)
β Located at the junction of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Gangetic biogeographic zones
β Rare species include Yellow-crested Spangle, Swinhoeβs Flat and Great Windmill
β Bagurumba Dance inspired by butterfly diversity
π SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
π Vepdegestrant Receives US FDA Approval
β First oral PROTAC-based cancer therapy
β Jointly developed by Arvinas and Pfizer
β Approved for ER-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced/metastatic breast cancer
β Represents a new generation of targeted cancer treatment
#CurrentAffairs
β€10
#Goodmorning
β³37 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³312 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³402 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³144 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³61 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³55 2day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³23 days left Afcat 8 august
β³23 days left mppsc mains 8 august
β³11 days left 72nd BPSC PRELIMS 26 July
β³3 days left CAPF AC 19 July
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β³37 days left CSM26 [ 21-08-26]
β³312 days left CSP27 [ 23-05-27]
β³402 days left CSM27 [ 20-08-27]
β³144 days left UPPSC/RAS prelims 6 December
β³61 Day left CDS/NDA 2 13 Sept
β³55 2day left Mppsc mains26 7 September
β³23 days left Afcat 8 august
β³23 days left mppsc mains 8 august
β³11 days left 72nd BPSC PRELIMS 26 July
β³3 days left CAPF AC 19 July
#Target
#TargetOnlyone
#Accountability
https://t.me/anmolvachan1
β€2